ORATION, 


DELIVERED  JULY  4,  1854, 


A.T 


HONOLULU, 


HON.  DAVID.  L,  GREGG, 


U,  S,  COMMISSIONER, 


E 

£86 
H74 


HONOLULU 
1854. 


ORATION, 


DELIVERED  JULY  4,  1864, 


AT 


HONOLULU, 


BY 


HON.  DAVID  L.  GREGG, 


0.  S.  COMMISSIONER. 


HONOLULU. 
1854. 


NOTE. —  The  Committee  of  Publication  have  deemed  it  proper  to  in 
sert  in  the  body  of  the  Oration,  notes  in  parentheses,  showing  the  manner 
of  its  reception  by  the  audience  to  which  it  was  delivered.     Two  or  three 
notes  are  also  added,  explanatory  of  references  which  might  otherwise 
appear  unintelligible  to  the  general  reader. 


US  53 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


HONOLULU,  6th  July,  1854. 

SIR: — It  is  our  honorable  duty,  as  a  committee  by  appointment,  to 
make  known  to  you  that  the  following  resolution  was  passed  by  an 
unanimous  vote,  after  the  delivery  of  the  Oration,  on  the  4th  inst.,  at 
the  Celebration  of  American  Independence. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  American  residents  be  tendered 
to  the  Hon.  David  L.  Gregg,  for  the  very  eloquent,  patriotic  and  in- 
dependent oration  delivered  this  day;  and  that  a  copy  of  the  same  be 
requested  for  publication  in  English  and  Hawaiian,  for  gratuitous  dis- 
tribution." 

Requesting  your  acceptance  of  the  thanks  tendered,  the  Committee 
would  express  their  earnest  wish  that  you  should  comply  with  the  de- 
sire of  the  American  residents,  by  furnishing  us  with  a  copy  of  the 
oration  foV  publication. 

We  have  the  honor  to  remain  your  obedient  servants, 

BARNUM  W.  FIELD, 
EDWIN  O.  HALL, 
RICHARD  COADY. 
Hon.  D.  L.  GREGG,  U.  S.  Commissioner,  8tc.,  &c.,  &c.,  Honolulu. 

HONOLULU,  July  8,  1854. 

GENTLEMEN: — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
note  of  the  6th  inst.,  and,  as  requested,  to  place  in  your  hands  for  pub- 
lication, a  copy  of  the  discourse  pronounced  by  me  on  the  late  anni- 
versary of  American  Independence.  • 

I  am  grateful  to  my  countrymen  for  the  kind  manner  in  which  they 
have  testified  their  approval  of  my  humble  effort  to  do  justice  to  the 
men  and  the  principles  of  the  Revolution  of  1776.  I  only  claim  the 
credit  of  a  disposition  to  express  and  carry  out,  on  all  suitable  occa- 


sions,  the  sentiments  and  policy  which  become  an  American  citizen, 
yielding  to  the  "rest  of  mankind  "  a  proper  and  considerate  courtesy, 
but  never  submitting  to  the  arrogance  of  those  who  hate  our  free  in- 
stitutions, and  make  it  the  business  of  their  lives  to  misrepresent,  to 
vilify  and  bring  them  into  contempt.  To  such  persons,  whoever  they 
may  be,  I  profess  no  obligations,  and  for  them  feel  no  respect.  If 
what  I  thought  it  incumbent  on  me  to  say,  places  the  stamp  of  false- 
hood on  their  conduct,  the  fault  is  their  own, — not  mine.  It  is  enough 
for  me  to  enjoy  your  sympathy  and  confidence,  and  that  of  my  fellow 
countrymen.  I  ask  no  prouder  distinction  than  that  of  an  American 
citizen,  and  desire  no  higher  earthly  approval  than  such  as  comes 
from  those  who  boast  the  same  glorious  privilege. 

Tendering,  through  you,  my  sincere  thanks  to  the  American  resi- 
dents of  Honolulu,  and  the  many  who  joined  them,  on  the  4th,  in  hon- 
oring the  principles  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence, 
I  remain  your  obedient  servant, 

DAVID  L.  GREGG. 
To  Messrs.  FIELD,  HALL  and  COADY,  Committee  &c, 


ORATION, 


Seventy-eight  years  have  rolled  away,  since  the  Declaration,  to 
which  you  have  just  listened,  was  promulgated!  It  is  now  the  ac- 
knowledged symbol  of  that  wide-spread  political  creed,  which  con- 
fides in  the  power  of  humanity  to  appreciate  its  own  wants  and  regu- 
late its  own  interests. 

Seventy-eight  years,  Americans,  have  passed  over  the  existence  of 
our  native  land.  Seventy-eight  years!  In  the  life  of  nations,  a  mere 
point,  yet  fraught  with  the  hopes,  the  happiness  and  the  destiny  of 
countless  generations  beyond  it! 

How  many  events  affecting  the  welfare  of  mankind,  are  crowded 
within  the  last  seventy-eight  years!  How  many  of  the  most  brilliant 
pages  of  history  have  been  filled  up  by  the  recital  of  their  marvelous 
incidents!  What  mutations  have  been  experienced  in  the  old  world, 
as  well  as  in  the  new,  by  dynasties  and  subjects,  by  rulers  and  peo- 
ple! But  strange  and  wonderful  as  these  events  appear,  the  most 
wonderful  of  them  all  afford  no  parallel  to  the  rise  and  progress  of  the 
United  States  of  America. 

This  is  the  subject  which  engages  your  thoughts,  and  upon  which  I 
am  expected  to  address  you.  On  this  day,  it  is  the  right  of  Ameri- 
cans to  review  their  national  history,  to  indulge  in  congratulations, 
and  to  express  the  joy  with  which  their  hearts  are  filled.  They  may 
then,  if  ever,  judge  of  men  and  manners,  times  and  things,  from  their 
own  peculiar  point  of  view,  regretting,  if  they  are  so  disposed,  that 
all  the  world  is  not  blessed  with  optics  sharp  enough  to  see  them  in 
the  same  light.  If  Brother  Jonathan  cannot  boast  to  his  heart's  con- 
tent, on  the  Fourth  of  July,  of  the  immense  superiority  of  "  Hail  Co- 
lumbia" and  "Yankee  Doodle,"  over  every  other  species  of  melody 
under  the  sun,  then  it  is  clear,  not  only  that  his  vaunted  independence 
is  a  mere  shadow,  but  that  he  wants  the  spirit  of  his  very  friendly,  but 


6 

withal  some  what  gruff  old  step-father,  John  Bull !  (Applause, —at  the  con- 
clusion of  which,  the  band  struck  up  "  Yankee  Doodle."  When  the  music 
had  ceased,  Mr.  Gregg  said,  "  Jlh!  my  friends,  you  appreciate  Yankee 
Doodle,  as  I  do.  There  is  nothing  like  it  in  the  world!  It  is  the  true 
melody  of  freedom, — it  stirs  up  our  hearts  from  their  inmost  depths! — 
Long,  long,  may  it  wave!"  Renewed  and  continued  applause.) 

Seventy-eight  years  ago,  the  inefficiency  and  oppressions  of  coloni- 
al government  forced  the  people  of  the  original  thirteen  States  to 
throw  off  the  yoke  which  held  them  in  subjection,  and  assert  the  in- 
alienable right  of  self-protection.  Confidently  appealing  to  the  Su- 
preme Judge  of  the  world  for  the  rectitude  of  their  intentions,  they 
dared  to  enter  the  lists,  in  a  contest  whose  fearful  odds  against  them 
might  well  have  appalled  the  stoutest  heart.  But  their  blows  were  not 
struck  in  vain.  Heaven  never  looks  with  averted  eye  upon  a  right- 
eous cause,  or  long  permits  justice  to  be  trodden  under  foot.  Friends 
rose  up  in  the  hour  of  need; — bravery  and  skill  were  of  no  avail 
against  a  people  contending  for  home,  for  fireside  and  for  freedom. — 
Though  for  seven  long  years  the  conflict  was  protracted,  it  at  length 
resulted  in  the  prostration  of  servitude  forever.  Independence  was 
gained,  the  principle  of  self-government  was  vindicated,  and  thence- 
forth, a  new  name,  betokening  liberty  and  strength,  was  inscribed  up- 
on the  list  of  nations.  (Applause.) 

Contrast,  for  a  moment,  the  old  condition  of  things  with  the  new. 
See  the  wide  difference  between  colonial  vassalage  and  independence. 
As  colonies,  the  American  States  were  weak  and  feeble  dependencies. 
Rulers  with  alien  sympathies  and  interests,  controlled  their  destiny. 
Industry  languished, — commerce  stood  still, — prosperity  was  on  the 
wane.     Position  was  nothing,  and  natural  advantages  of  but  little 
avail,  so  long  as  the  immediate  interest  of  distant  authority  did  not 
prompt  their  development.     Their  whole  administrative  policy  was  de- 
fective, having  no  dependence  upon  the  people,  and  being  incapable, 
from  the  isolation  of  its  agents,  of  fulfilling  the  true  ends  of  govern- 
ment.    It  became,  as  such  a  policy  always  will,  a  source  of  discon- 
tent, of  constant  grievance,  of  absolute  oppression;  and  amply  justi- 
fied, before  God  and  man,  the  violence  by  which  it  was  subverted. — 
(Applause.)     No  government  can  long  be  beneficial,  when  its  sympa- 
thies and  action  are  dictated  by  a  cabinet  separated  by  oceans  from 


its  subjects;  and  hence  it  is  that  colonies  always  occupy  the  position 
of  servants  of  a  household,  who  must  be  content  with  the  remnants  of 
the  feast,  or  the  crumbs  which  fall  from  their  master's  table,  instead 
of  the  full  repast  which  the  children  are  permitted  to  enjoy.  (Ap- 
plause.) 

Freedom  from  the  control  of  foreign  masters  was  the  immediate 
consequence  of  the  Revolution.  Thenceforth,  the  attributes  of  sove- 
reignty were  exercised  by  those  to  whom  they  rightfully  belonged. 
There  was  a  community  of  interest  between  the  plain  citizen  and  his 
compeer,  who  for  the -time  being,  was  invested  with  the  dignity  of  offi- 
cial station.  No  clashing  of  purpose  existed  between  them,  for  the 
highest  good  of  both  depended  upon  the  same  considerations,  and  de- 
manded a  concurrence  of  sentiment  and  of  policy.  The  exactions  of 
Government,  if  such  they  might  be  called,  were  imposed  by  the  free 
consent  of  the  governed,  and  for  their  benefit  alone; — not  to  enrich 
swarms  of  officers  sent  from  abroad  to  eat  out  their  substance.  Re- 
presentation and  taxation  went  together, — the  administration  of  justice 
was  unobstructed, — the  supremacy  of  the  civil  power  was  established, 
— trade  was  no  longer  restricted, — legislation  was  free  and  enlighten- 
ed to  enact  laws  for  the  public  good. 

As  if  touched  by  the  enchanter's  wand,  the  thirteen  colonies,  so 
weak,  so  .poor,  so  defenceless,  started  into  healthy  life  at  once.  The 
broken  reed  which  had  propped  them  up  before,  being  cast  aside,  self- 
reliance  became  their  habit,  and  gave  them  Herculean  strength  and 
vigor.  Commerce  burst  from  the  shackles  by  which  she  had  been 
restrained,  and  spread  her  wings  to  catch  the  breezes  of  every  cli- 
mate;— labor  woke  from  its  slumber; — enterprise,  long  bowed  to  the 
dust,  lifted  its  head; — wealth  sprung  into  being; — contentment  and 
happiness  prevailed.  Population,  before  almost  stationary,  advanced 
with  rapid  strides.  The  infant  nation,  which  came  into  being  with 
three  millions  of  inhabitants,  has  but  little  passed  its  threescore  and 
ten  years,  yet  it  can  count  more  than  twenty  millions,— or  an  increase 
of  almost  500  per  cent,  from  1790,  the  first  period  of  enumeration,  to 
1850.  From  1840  to  1850,  the  increase  was  6,194,035,  or  36-28 
per  cent.  In  Europe  the  increase  is  below  one  and  a  half  per  cent, 
per  annum;  while  in  the  United  States,  it  is  at  the  rate  of  three  and  a 
half  per  cent.  Taking  the  past  as  a  criterion,  the  United  States,  in 


8 

leas  than  forty  years,  will  have  a  population  exceeding  that  of  Eng- 
land, France,  Spain,  Portugal,  Sweden  and  Switzerland,  combined! 
(Prolonged  applause.) 

The  new  Government,  which  went  into  operation  in  1789,  was  sur- 
rounded with  difficulties,  growing  out  of  the  old  state  of  affairs.  A 
heavy  public  debt  and  disordered  finances  bore  upon  it  with  oppres- 
sive weight.  But  the  genius  of  Hamilton  and  the  prudence  of  Wash- 
ington were  equal  to  the  task  of  bringing  order  out  of  chaos,  and  ma- 
king clear  and  smooth  the  policy  of  future  times.  Production,  under 
the  guidance  of  the  wise  statesmen  of  that  period,  soon  disclosed  its 
capacities;  imports  rapidly  gave  their  contributions  to  swell  the  pub- 
lic revenue,  and  embarrassments  disappeared.  In  1789,  the  receipts 
into  the  treasury,  %from  all  sources,  were  $4,399,473;  in  1851,  with 
moderate  duties,  they  reached  the  sum  of  $52,312,979.  From  1791 
to  1851,  exports  had  risen  from  $19,012,041  to  $218,388,011,  and 
imports  from  $52,200,000  to  $216,224,932.  In  the  same  period,  the 
mercantile  tonnage  of  the  Union  was  swelled  from  502,146  to  3,772,- 
349.  The  public  debt  has  disappeared,  and  the  important  question 
now  is,  how  to  check  the  current  which  fills  the  treasury  to  overflow, 
ing,  rather  than  to  add  to  its  volume.  (Great  applause.) 

Territorial  expansion  has  kept  pace  with,  and  contributed  to  pro- 
mote the  general  prosperity.  Until  1803,  the  Mississippi  constituted 
the  western  boundary  of  the  Republic,  but  now  the  waves  of  the  Pa- 
cific break  upon  its  shores; — the  golden  sands  of  California  reflect 
the  sunlight  upon  its  banner,  and  freedom  everywhere  hails  the  pro- 
gress of  its  dominion.  (Applause.)  By  the  treaty  with  France,  con- 
cluded on  the  30th  of  April,  in  that  year,  the  domain  of  the  United 
States  was  extended  to  almost  twice  its  former  limits.  Florida  was 
ceded  by  Spain  in  1819,  and  Texas  came  into  the  Union  by  annexa- 
tion in  1845.  In  1848,  New  Mexico  and  California  were  added,  ma- 
king a  total  area  of  3,306,805  square  miles.  The  statistics  of  future 
years  may,  perchance,  add  to  these  figures,  and  show  a  still  greater 
expansion  of  the  area  of  freedom.  (Great  applause.)  It  is  not  for 
me  to  predict  the  course  of  destiny,  nor  can  the  world  stop  its  onward 
progress.  Time  alone  will  manifest  its  purpose,  and  declare  its  tri- 
umph. (Renewed  applause.) 


The  original  thirteen  States  have  been  increased  to  thirty-one,  all 
upon  the  same  equal  footing,  under  the  protecting  power  of  the  same 
constitution,  and  alike  blessed  by  the  influences  of  its  beneficent  prin- 
ciples. No  invidious  distinction  prevails; — no  inferiority  is  recogni- 
zed;— like  stars  of  equal  magnitude,  the  States  move  in  their  respect- 
ive orbits,  around  a  common  centre,  each  contributing  its  part,  to  sus- 
tain the  equilibrium  and  strength  of  the  whole.  The  interests  of  Cal- 
ifornia and  Texas  are  just  as  dear  and  as  fully  respected  as  those  of 
New  York,  Massachusetts,  or  South  Carolina;  for  the  interest  of  one 
is  the  interest  of  all.  Equality  is  the  pervading  principle  of  Ameri- 
can institutions;  and  no  matter  under  what  sky  the  citizen  drew  his 
first  breath, — no  matter  to  what  part  of  the  world  his  business  or  his 
pleasure  may  call  him, — or  in  what  quarter  of  the  confederacy  his  re- 
sidence may  be,  the  broad  aegis  of  a  common  Constitution  is  thrown 
over  him  for  protection.  '(Applause.)  There  are  no  grades  of  Amer- 
ican citizenship, — no  colonists  with  inferior  rights;  but  all  stand  upon 
the  same  wide  platform  before  the  law.  Think  you  that  Kozsta  can 
ever  regret  his  right  to  appeal  to  those  stars  and  stripes  as  a  security 
from  Austrian  dungeons?*  (Applause.)  Would  the  inhabitant  of 
California,  or  Florida,  or  New  Mexico, — whether  of  English,  or  Span- 
ish, or  aboriginal  descent, — rely  with  less  confidence  upon  the  power 
of  which  those  same  stars  and  stripes  are  the  glorious  emblem?  (Re- 
newed applause.)  Where  would  have  been  all  this  prosperity, — this 
ability  to  protect, — this  right  to  enforce  the  respect  of  the  world, — 
without  independence  and  self-government?  Let  Canada  answer! — 
(Applause.)  Contrast  her  condition  with  that  of  New  York  and  New 
England,  and  if  you  are  not  then  satisfied,  go  to  Australia  or  Tahiti, 
or  if  you  please,  to  India,  to  learn  the  advantages  of  colonial  depen- 
dence! (Enthusiastic  applause.) 

Most  appropriate  is  your  device,  on  this  occasion,  to  represent  the 
thirty-one  free  and  sovereign  States  of  the  American  Union.  Each 
of  them  is  personated  by  youth  and  beauty.  What  more  suitable? — 
What  idea  could  have  been  more  happily  conceived?  Here  are 
health  and  vigor,  giving  promise  of  maturer  charms.  Here  is  the 
rose-bud  just  bursting  into  bloom, — the  opening  flower  giving  forth  its 

*Mr.  G.  here  pointed  to  the  American  flag. 


• 

first  fragrance.  In  these  ranks  may  be  found  the  hope  of  many  a 
home, — the  jov  of  manv  a  heart.  Fortunate  will  it  Le.  my  young 
friends,  if  the  future  shall  realize  the  brilliant  premises  held  out  by 
the  present  moment;  and  flourishing  will  be  the  communities  you  per- 
sonate, if  they  may  always  claim  such  fair  representatives,  or  boast 
such  stout-hearted  and  valorous  champions  as  attend  you.*  (Great 
applause.) 

It  is  not  enough,  on  this  festival,  consecrated  to  Freedom,  to  con- 
template the  material  structure  alone,  however  fair  it  may  be,  or  grand 
its  proportions.  It  is  also  fit  to  look  into  the  principles  of  its  con- 
struction,— to  examine  the  order  of  its  architecture,  and  pay  some 
tribute  to  the  skill  of  the  master  workmen  who  reared  it. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States  was  almost  of  necessity  re- 
publican. The  first  inhabitants  of  the  new  wojld  were  pilgrims  seeking 
an  asylum  from  oppression  in  the  wilderness;  they  brought  to  their 
new  homes  the  spirit  of  equality,  of  justice,  and  of  truth,  rejecting 
altogether  the  social  distinctions  and  usages  which  had  occasioned 
their  early  misfortunes.  The  republican  element  of  the  British  con- 
stitution alone  was  transplanted  to  the  wilds  of  America,  and  there  it 
grew  up  unchecked.  Royalty  and  nobility  were  left  behind,  and 
though  in  the  end,  sought  to  be  engrafted  upon  it,  the  want  of  affinity 
made  the  effort  vain.  Hence  when  the  Revolution  took  place,  the 
organization  of  society  required  but  little  change.  The  incubus  of 
foreign  dominion  was  cast  oft',  and  alien  rulers  were  expelled,  but  in 
all  else,  the  current  of  affairs  moved  along  in  the  usual  channels. 
The  pilgrim  fathers  of  New  England,  of  Maryland,  and  of  all  the  colo- 
nies, laid  the  foundation  of  republican  institutions,  broad,  and  deep  and 
firm,  long  before  their  distinguishing  principles  were  formally  assc:^ a 
in  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  That  instrument  was  the  neces- 
sary sequence  of  the  one  executed  in  the  cabin  of  the  Mayflower,  on 
the  20th  of  November,  1620.  From  that  remote  period,  must  be  da- 
ted the  commencement  of  republicanism  in  America.  (Applause.) 

But  the  patriots  of  1776.  did   a  necessary  work  in  setting  forth  the 

*In  this  portion  of  his  remarks,  Mr.  Gregg  addressed  thirty-two  young  girls,  the 
representatives  of  the  different  States  and  the  District  of  Columbia.  Each  was  dressed 
in  white,  with  a  wreath  of  flowers,  and  a  scarf  over  the  shoulder, — the  name  of  the 
State  represented  in  large  gilt  letters  on  the  breast,  The  members  of  the  Engine  Com- 
pany "  Young  America  "  attended  them,  constituting  a  guard  of  honor. 


11 

true  doctrines  of  huiiK'.n  rights  and  the  proper  objects  of  government. 
Iluman^.  owes  tlicm  an  untold  debt  for  their  exalted  patriotism  and 
noble  dariiv-,  and  as  future  ages  appear,  new  generations  will  rise  up 
to  bless  them.  A  nobler  band  was  never  associated  than  the  signers 
of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  In  the  liearts  of  their  grateful 
descendants  and  countrymen,  for  all  time,  will  the  emotions  of  grati- 
tude be  f«lt,  and  the  spread  of  freedom  throughout  the  world,  will 
swell  the  voice  of  benediction  by  which  their  names  arc  greeted. 
They  were  in  their  day,  styled  rebels,  and  threatened  with  the  punish- 
ment of  traitors,  but  what  minion  of  tyranny  would  now  degrade  himself 
by  reproaching  their  memories!  If  their  acts  were  treason,  then  pa- 
triotism is  dishonorable  and  virtue  criminal.  Such  treason  is  sancti- 
fied by  religion  and  bears  honors  and  not  infamy  as  its  reward. 
(Great  applause.) 

Where   can  be  found  a  more  plain  and  truthful  statement,  of  the 
ends  of  government  than  they  exhibited?    Man,  they  assert,  is  endow- 
ed with  certain  unalienable  rights,  among  which  are  "life,  liberty  and 
the  pursuit  of  happiness."     To  secure  these  rights,  government  is  in- 
stituted.    But  whence  does  government  derive  its  sanction  ?  In  what 
s   ^.rce,  does   its   authority   originate  ?     From  the  people  who  are  its 
subjects;--  from  the  people  whose  interests  it  was  created  to  subserve 
Heaven  has  ordained  that  society  shall  be  organized,  and  government 
exist,  but  it  ordains  no  further.     No  form  is  prescribed,  no  system  of 
administration   preferred.     To  the  people  of  all  countries,  rightfully 
belongs  the  choice  of  what  best  suits  their  condition.     They  are  the 
parties  in  interest,  and  have  the  right  to  determine  the  character  of 
their  own  political  institutions.     (Applause.) 

Government  then,  being  established  for  a  particular  end,  it  follows 
that  when  that  end  is  not  subserved,  when  the. public  interest  is  sacrific- 
ed, they  may  "  alter  or  abolish  it,"  and  institute  a  new  government, 
'•laying  its  foundations  on  such  principles,  and  organizing  its  powers, 
in  such  form  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  likely  to  effect  their  safety 
and  happiness."  And  moreover,  "  when  a  long  train  of  abuses,  and 
usurpations,  pursuing  invariably  the  same  object,  evinces  a  design  to 
reduce  the  people  to  absolute  despotism,  it  is  their  right,  it  is  linn- 
duty  to  throw  off  such  government,  and  tp  provide  new  guards  for 
their  future  security." 


Mere  is  the  true  theory  of  government,  and  a  just  and  proper  esti 
mate  of  its  powers  and  duties.  It  disposes  summarily  of  the  absurd 
doctrine  of  the  "  Divine  right  of  Kings  "  which  grew  up  in  the  six- 
teenth and  seventeenth  centuries,  and  makes  the  people  the  legitimate 
source  of  all  civil  power.  It  places  in  society  the  right  of  appointing 
its  own  institutions,  and  declares  that  no  man  or  class  of  men  has  a 
vested  interest  in  the  sovereignty  of  any  country,  and  cannot  properly 
hold  it  except  as  a  sacred  trust  for  the  general  good.  (Applause.) 

So  far  as  the  institution  of  government  is  concerned,  the  "  Divine 
right  "  is  in  the  people,  and  not  in  their  servants,  and  of  their  agency 
in  this  respect,  it  may  be  truly  said,  "  vox  populi,  vox  JDct."  Particu- 
lar forms  are  within  their  discretion  ; — all  are  legitimate  with  the 
popular  sanction,  and  none  without  it.  Americans  prefer  republican- 
ism, and  are  firmly  persuaded  that  it  affords  the  highest  amount  of  in- 
dividual and  social  prosperity,  but  they  are  not  propagandists  except 
by  example,  and  freely  concede  to  others  the  same  privilege  which 
they  have  exercised — that  of  judging  for  themselves  in  what  so  inti- 
mately concerns  their  well  being.  (Applause.) 

Had  ambitious  or  unprincipled  men  been  at  the  head  of  the  revolu- 
tion of  1776,  its  final  results  might  have  had  a  far  different  bearing 
upon  the  destinies  of  mankind.  But  Heaven  in  its  wisdom  combined 
in  them,  inflexible  patriotism,  with  integrity  above  the  allurements  of 
ambition.  Throughout  the  struggle,  and  on  all  occasions,  they  had 
less  thought  for  themselves  than  for  their  country  and  posterity. 
There  was  Washington,  prudent,  just,  and  faithful,  the  able  soldier, 
the  wise  statesman,  the  honest  man, — the  gift  of  Providence  to  his 
country, — a  moral  prodigy  in  the  annals  of  the  human  race.  (Great 
and  universal  applause.)  He  was  no  Caesar  ; — had  he  been  ambitious, 
an  empire  was  within  his  reach,— a  crown  might  have  rested  upon 
his  brows,  but  he  rejected  the  bauble  with  disdain,  and  laid  aside  his 
victorious  sword  to  become  a  contented  equal  with  his  fellow  citizens. 
(Renewed  applause.)  All  honor  to  the  name  of  Washington  !  What 
American  can  pronounce  it  without  respect  and  veneration  !  What 
lover  of  freedom  wherever  he  may  be,  does  not  make  it  a  cherished 
household  word  !  (Conlinued  applause.) 

Everywhere  the  memorials  of  this  illustrious  man  call  up  the  most 


13 

pleasing  and  grateful  n.ssoc.iations,  but  especially  upon  a  foreign  soil, 
a>  here,  thousands  of  miles  away  from  the  theatre  upon  which  he 
lived  and  died. 

Tell  me  not  there  is  superstition  or  folly  in  regarding  with  some  de- 
gree of  veneration,  such  memorials  of  the  great  and  good.  It  springs 
from  the  purest  arid  hest  feelings  of  the  human  heart, — it  is  founded 
upon  the  just  respect  which  virtue  and  affection  ought  always  to  in- 
spire. By  that  tahle  which  stands  yonder  in  your  sight,  the  immortal 
Washington  once  sat  down.  From  it,  he  and  La  Fayette,  his  illus- 
trious companion  in  arms,  snatched  a  hasty  repast  on  the  28th  of  June 
1778,  afier  the  fatigues  and  toils  of  the  battle  of  Monmouth  were  over. 

It  is  now  the  cherished  property  of  an  American,  resident  in  these 
Islands,  in  whose  family  it  has  ever  been  preserved  as  a  sacred  relic. 
Its  presence  here  on  this  day  is  appropriate,  and  \\ill  not  fail  to  excite 
in  your  minds  more  vivid  recollections  of  the  noble  men  with  whose 
names  it  is  associated.*  (General  applause.) 

Besides  Washington,  there  were  in  that  noble  band  of  patriots,  an 
Adams,  a  Jefferson,  a  Madison,  and  a  host  of  others  whom  proffered 
gold  could  not  seduce,  or  empty  titles  bribe, — men  whose  talents  and 
virtues  would  anywhere  have  secured  them  far  more  respect  than 
obsequious  loyalty  is  accustomed  to  pay  to  hereditary  imbecility. 
— (Applause.  )  No  betrayer  stood  in  their  ranks.  But  one  Judas 
disgraced  the  revolutionary  councils,  and  he  had  gone  to  those  who 
hugged  the  traitor,  while  at  heart  they  loathed  his  treason.  Arnold 
had  pocketed  the  bounty  of  his  infamy,  and  flourished  a  royal  com- 
mission in  the  presence  of  soldiers  and  gentlemen,  who  it  must  be  ad- 
mitted, could  but  illy  brook  the  degradation  of  such  an  association. 
When  presented  to  Lord  Balcarras  by  George  the  third,  at  a  royal 
levee,  soon  after  the  revolution,  the  honest  old  noblenan,  drawing 
himself  up  to  his  proudest  height,  exclaimed,  even  in  the  face  of  ma- 
jeity,  "  What,  the  traitor  Arnold  !"  and  turning  upon  his  h,eel,  left 

*  Mr.  G.  alluded  to  a  small  tea-table,  the  property  of  C.  W.  Vincent.  Esq.,  of  Hono- 
lulu, who  received  it  as  a  present  from  his  mother  on  a  late  visit  to  New  Jersey.  Hi  a 
great-gra^-mother,  Greenleaf,  spread  a  repast  upon  it  for  Washington  and  La  Fay- 
ette, on  the  evening  of  June  28th,  1778,  of  which  they  both  partook.  It  was  carried 
conspicuously  in  the  procession  on  the  4th,  and  while  Mr.  G.  referred  to  it,  one  of  the 
Marshals  of  the  day,  held  it  in  the  view  of  the  whole  audience. 


14 

the  miserable  wretch  to  contemplate  the  depth  to  which  he  had  fallen. 
Thus  it  is  ever,  when  a  ju.st  cause  is  deserted  from  motives  of  gain  or 
ambition.  Baseness  is  always  held  in  abhorrence  by  mankind  and 
can  never  enjoy  in  peace  the  reward  of  its  conduct.  What  wealth  or 
honor  can  compensate  for  such  execrations  as  the  world  heaps  upon 
Judas,  and  Arnold,  the  most  infamous  of  all  the  names  recorded  in 
history  !  The  one  sold  his  God  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  the  other, 
bargained  for  the  independence  of  his  country,  at  the  price  of  thirty 
thousand  pounds,  and  a  commission  as  Brigadier-General  in  the  ene- 
my's service.  If  a  distinction  can  be  drawn,  let  it  be  in  favor  of  Judas, 
who  at  least  possessed  a  conscience,  and  had  the  grace  to  hang  him- 
self out  of  remorse  for  his  crime  !  (Long  continued npplavse.) 

The  work  which  came  from  the  hands  of  the  revolutionary  patriot? 
was  unsoiled  by  dishonor,  and  without  mercenary  taint.     Had  it  been 
otherwise,  humanity  would  have  mourned  its  clouded  hopes,  and  free- 
dom sighed  to  find  its  chosen  empire  subverted.     The  Federal  Con- 
stitution is  the  grand  and  enduring  monument  of  their  wisdom.     Thir- 
teen independent  states  had  rescued  at  the  bayonet's  point,  their  sov- 
ereignty from  the  grasp  of  tyranny,  but  each  stood  upon  its  own  foot- 
ing ;     each    held  within  itself   all  the  elements   of  national    power. 
Mere  alliance,  as   under  the  articles  of  confederation,  wanted   that 
central  energy  whicli  mutual  interest  demanded.      Something   more 
was  necessary  to  "  establish  justice,  ensure  domestic  tranquility,  pro- 
vide for  the  common  defence,  promote  the  general  welfare,"  and  se- 
cure   to    posterity   forever  the  blessings  of  liberty.     Mutual   wants 
prompted   mutual     concord,    and    as     an    arch     in    the    temple    of 
peace,  fashioned  by  the  craftsman's  skill,  the  Union  sprung  up,  ce- 
mented like  the   Egyptian    pyramids,  into  a   magnificent    structure, 
which  no  succession  of  storms  can  disintegrate,  or  tempest  overthrow. 
(Jlpplause.) 

Let  us  look  for  a  moment  at  some  of  its  prominent  features.  One 
and  all  the  states,  so  far  as  concerns  their  domestic  affairs,  are  sove- 
reign and  independent  of  each  other.  Each  legislates  for  and  governs 
itself, — each  has  its  judicial  tribunals,  its  executive  and  sutardinate 
officers,  its  public  treasury,  its  revenues,  its  improvements,  its  schools, 
its  local  policy,  and  over  them  exercises  supreme  control.  The  Fed- 


15 

eral  ( lovcniiiient  is  only  supreme  within  the  range  of  powers  delega- 
ted by  t!u-  states.  In  this  sense,  it  is  their  creature,  the  agent  which 
tbev  have  appointed  to  promote  their  mutual  interests.  To  its  care, 
the  management  of  foreign  relations  is  exclusively  confided  ; — the  mil- 
itary and  naval  forces  are  under  its  jurisdiction  ; — harbors  and  defen- 
ces are  constructed  by  its  authority  ; — in  short,  whatever  is  of  a  gen- 
eral nature,  concerning  the  Union  at  large,  is  within  the  province  of 
the  Federal  Government.  All  else  is  precisely  as  it  would  have  been 
had  the  old  confederacy  remained  in  force.  Strength,  dignity  and  in- 
dependence are  guaranteed  to  the  Union,  and  yet  to  each  of  the  states 
is  secured  the  most  valuable  prerogatives  which  sovereignty  can  con- 
fer. (Applause.)  Texas  in  becoming  one  of  the  United  States,  though 
before  an  independent  nation,  retained  for  all  domestic  purposes,  the 
full  authority  which  sho  had  always  exercised,  and  even  now,  most  of 
her  laws  stand  precisely  the  same  as  when  the  lone  star  was  display- 
ed upon  her  banner.  But  what  did  she  gain  ?  Was  she  not  weak  and 
almost  powerless  :  Where  were  her  fleets  and  armies,  her  revenues 
and  credit  ?  What  was  her  rank  among  the  nations  ?  She  lost  not 
tvi-n  her  name,  in  the  change  which  took  place  ;  the  people  forfeited 
no  right  which  they  before  enjoyed.  But  she  gained  the  protection  of 
a  powerful  nation; — she  made  its  strength  her  own  ; — She  has  ships 
and  soldiers,  and  treasures  in  connectionwith  her  confederate  sisters, 
and  as  a  member  of  the  Union,  holds  a  far  higher  rank,  than  alone 
she  could  ever  have  aspired  to  reach.  (Applause.)  BftfTCTOft 

The  territories  of  the  United  States  arc  not  colonies  or  mere  depen- 
dencies. (Applause.)  We  have  no  such  system  as  our  fathers,  for  just 
reasons,  abandoned.  We  neither  acknowledge  nor  exact  political 
servitude.  Hence,  our  territories  are  not  in  the  position  of  menials, 
but  their  condition  is  rather  that  of  favored  children,  who  are  vexed 
with  no  burthens,  provided  with  whatever  is  necessary  to  meet  their 
wants,  and  properly  educated  to  fill  the  exalted  station  which  awaits 
them.  (Great  applause.) 

As  the  government  rests  directly  upon  the  will  of  the  people,  which 
is  frequently  expressed  through  the  ballot  box,  its  policy  is  more  di- 
dircetcd  to  the  general  good,  than  is  possible  where  social  distinctions 
make  it  necessary  to  provide  for  the  separate  interests  of  different 
classes.  All  such  distinctions  are  carefully  excluded,  all  hereditary 


1(3 

privileges  rejected.  The  old  law  of  primogeniture  is  abolished, — a 
law  derived  from  feudalism  and  unworthy  to  stand  in  the  light  of  civ- 
ilization. Children  of  the  same  family  are  regarded  as  equals,  and 
the  natural  affections  suffered  to  flow  on  in  their  true  and  proper 
channels.  (Applause.) 

There  is  no  blight  upon  society  more  fatal  than  that  known  as  the 
law  of  primogeniture; — no  system  so  destructive  to  equality  of  condi- 
tion among  men.  Where  immense  fortunes  are  built  up,  and  perpe- 
tuated from  one  generation  to  another,  the  community  is  necessarily 
divided  into  two  classes, — the  rich  and  the  poor;  the  one  aristocratic, 
haughty  and  overbearing, — the  other  subservient,  degraded  and  mis- 
erable. What  state  of  things  can  be  imagined  more  deplorable  than 
this,  where  millions  toil  on  forever  in  hopeless  poverty,  to  earn  the 
scanty  subsistence  which  depraved  and  wanton  luxury  grudgingly 
doles  out  to  drive  gaunt  famine  from  their  hovels!  Think  you  that 
Heaven  thus  designed  its  bounties  to  be  distributed  ?  Were  not  rather 
its  gifts  intended  for  all,  and  has  not  man  abused  the  mercies  of  the 
Creator?  The  day  of  retribution  will  come  at  length,  as  sure  as  an 
impartial  Judge  sits  on  the  throne  of  the  Universe,  when  Lazarus  will 
take  something  more  than  the  portion  of  dogs,  and  share,  as  he  ought, 
in  the  munificence  of  his  Maker.  (Enthusiastic  applause.)  The  air 
which  surrounds  us, — the  water  which  rolls  to  the  ocean,  are  free  to  all, 
and  why  should  any  portion  of  the  human  race  be  debarred  from  acqui- 
ring a  right  in  the  soil  on  which  their  homes  are  built,  and  from  which 
their  subsistence  is  derived.  (Renewed  applause.) 

Thank  God,  that  American  institutions  know  no  such  system  of  foul 
iniquity  as  that  to  which  I  refer!  They  encourage  industry, — they 
promote  enterprise, — they  favor  the  acquisition  of  wealth  and  pro- 
tect its  enjoyment.  But  they  do  not,  and  they  never  will  lend  their 
sanction  to  build  up  classes  or  families,  or  perpetuate  the  luxuries  of 
Dives  to  the  oldest  descendant  of  his  name.  (Applause.)  They  re- 
cognise the  perfect  equality  of  all  citizens,  and  the  humblest  is  as 
much  within  their  protection  as  th'e  highest.  The  President,  with  all 
.  the  honors  of  his  station,  stands  before  the  law,  as  the  equal  and  no 
more,  of  the  poorest  and  lowliest  of  his  countrymen,  and  the  wheel  of 
fortune,  which  to-day  has  elevated  him  to  power,  may,  at  its  next 
turn,  place  the  latter  in  the  same  position.  (Great  applause.)  The 


17 

avenues  of  wealth  and  honor  are  closed  to  men  of  no  class  or  condi- 
tion. The  pursuit  of  fortune  is  free  to  all,  and  there  are  none  who 
may  not,  if  they  will,  possess  their  own  homes  and  firesides,  not  in  de- 
peridance  upon  others,  as  a  serf  upon  his  lord,  but  in  their  own  right, 
free,  unquestioned  and  perpetual.  (Increased  applause.) 

The  rights  of  conscience  are  respected,  and  the  citizen  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  may  bend  his  knee  in  worship  of  the  Supreme  Being,  at 
such  altar  as  his  own  free  choice  shall  dictate.  Be  he  Pagan  or 
Christian,  Turk  or  Jew,  he  stands  upon  the  same  footing,  responsible 
to  God  alone,  and  not  to  man,  for  the  form  of  the  service  he  renders 
up  to  Him.  It  is  the  peculiar  glory  of  American  institutions  that  they 
first  recognized  this  grand  principle  in  human  government.  The  alli- 
ance of  Church  and  State  is  fraught  with  evils  to  both.  Religion 
needs  not  the  aid  of  civil  power  to  support  its  holy  mission.  It  is 
clothed  with  the  panoply  of  truth,  and  scorns  the  sword,  the  dungeon 
and  the  fagot.  These  are  not  the  appropriate  weapons  of  its  warfare 
upon  earth, — they  are  charity  and  love;  and  where  such  weapons  fail, 
human  laws  may  make  hypocrites,  but  never  Christians.  (Applause.) 

Liberty  of  speech  and  of  the  press  stands  among  the  dearest  privi- 
leges of  the  American  citizen.  He  acknowledges  no  censorship  to 
place  a  curb  upon  thought,  or  to  bridle  the  tongue.  He  confides  in 
public  sentiment  to  correct  abuses;  and  experience  shows  that,  in  this 
respect,  an  educated  people  may  be  safely  trusted. 

Education  has  done  more  for  American  society  in  half  a  century, 
than  swords  and  bayonets  and  dungeons  have  accomplished  for  Europe 
in  ages.  (Great  applause.)  An  intelligent  and  virtuous  people  will, 
in  the  end,  be  free;  and  no  state  of  freedom  can  long  be  maintained 
without  intelligence.  Education  is  the  best  sentinel  to  keep  guard  in 
the  citadel  of  Liberty,  and  no  surprise  need  be  feared  when  the  com 
mon  school  turns  out  its  generations  of  soldiers  and  statesmen.  («#p- 
plause.)  The  common  schools  of  the  United  States  are  justly  regard- 
ed with  pride  by  every  American,  and  are  more  to  be  cherished,  as 
seminaries  for  the  people,  than  the  college  or  university,  whose  bene- 
fits are  dispensed  within  a  narrower  range. 

All  these  advantages  of  free  institutions  have  been  placed  within 
the  reach  of  the  world.     No  narrow  or  bigoted  policy  has  closed  the 
3 


18 

doors  of  freedom  to  the  stranger.  The  altars  of  liberty  are  thronged 
with  worshippers  from  every  land,  and  none  are  thrust  back  from  the 
sanctuary  of  the  temple,  who  sincerely  wish  to  offer  up  the  incense  of 
a  pure  homage.  In  every  State  of  the  Union  are  heard,  as  here  to- 
day, the  strong,  clear  voices  of  men  of  Teutonic  race,  discoursing  the 
sweetest  music  of  Freedom's  melodies.  (Applause.)  In  every  city 
and  village,  throughout  America,  the  Celt  and  the  German  are  as- 
sembled to-day,  with  the  sons  of  the  soil,  to  listen  to  ihe  Declaration 
of  Independence,  ready  with  one  accord  to  swear  with  uplifted  hand 
before  heaven,  to  shed  their  blood  in  defence  of  its  principles.  (Re- 
newed applause.) 

The  experience  of  more  than  half  a  century  has  demonstrated  the 
capacity  of  the  people  for  self-government,  and  established  the  just 
right  of  the  United  States  to  be  regarded  as  the  "Model  Republic." 
(Great  applause.)  The  apprehensions  of  friends  have  been  quieted, 
— the  predictions  of  enemies  falsified,  and  the  impartial  man  6f  every 
nation  must  bear  testimony  in  favor  of  American  institutions.  I  know 
there  are  those  who  still  prate  about  the  inefficiency  of  our  system,— 
who  tell  us  of  its  tendency  to  corruption,  and  gloat  over  any  high 
party  excitement,  or  any  occasional  disorder  which  may  arise  in  any 
part  of  the  confederacy,  as  an  evidence  that  the  glorious  fabric  of  our 
national  Union  is  to  be  rent  in  twain.  With  them  "  the  wish  is  father 
to  the  thought."  They  could  not  judge  truly  and  fairly  if  they  would= 
Prejudice  has  blinded  their  eyes,  and  like  Saul  of  Tarsus,  they  "kick 
against  the  pricks."  (Great  applause.) 

"  All  seems  infected  that  the  infected  spy, 
As  all  looks  yellow  to  the  jaundiced  eye."     (Renewed  applause^) 
As  a  people,  we  doubtless  have  our  faults;  and  who  is  without  thcmf 
There  may  be  some  few  rough  points  in  our  character,  over  which  the 
chisel  of  the  sculptor  could  be  driven  with  advantage;  but  I  take  it 
upon  me  to  say,  that  the  very  imperfections  with  which  our  venerable 
step-mother  is  most  accustomed  to  reproach  us,  were  created  by  her 
own  kind  and  affectionate  requirements,  and  ingrained  into  our  nature 
by  her  precepts,  when  she  claimed  us  as  obedient  and  useful  children, 
in  performing  the  drudgery  of  her  household.     (Much  applause.) 

But  no  matter  how  this  point  may  be  settled,  it  is  an  existing  fact 
that  we  rank  among  the  great  maritime  powers  of  the  world,  and  are 


,  rapidly  advancing  to  be  tin:   first  of  them   all.     Our  policy  is  peace, 
and  upon  its  preservation  our  prosperity  in  a  great  measure  depends. 
In  the  wars  of  European  governments,  or  in  the  causes  which  pro- 
duce them,  we  have  no  concern,  and  do  not  seek  to  interfere.     The 
balance  of  power  on  the  Eastern  Continent  may  vibrate  as  it  will,  we 
are  not  affected  by  it.     It  is  true,  our  sympathies  may  be  excited  by 
the  hard  fate  of  brave  and  generous  people,  who  are  trodden  down  by 
unholy  combinations, — their  life-blood  crushed  out  by  the  iron  heel  of 
oppression.     We  had  a  tear  for  the  misfortunes  of  Poland, — a  regret 
when  a  detested  Bourbon  dynasty  was  by  force  imposed  upon  France ; 
and  still  can  pity  the  miseries  of  the  Magyar  and  the  Celt.  (Applause.) 
But  beyond  the  manifestation  of  sympathy  we  have  not  presumed  to  go , 
and  it  is  but  fair  to  claim  that  the  same  forbearance  which  we  have 
exercised,  shall  be  displayed  by  the  powers  of  Europe,  in  regard  to 
affairs  in  the  Western  hemisphere.     The  American  nations  are  fully 
competent  to  take  care  of  their  own  interests,  and  if  they  are  wise, 
they  will  brook  no  interference  from  abroad.     (Applause.)     If  combi- 
nations be  made  to  overawe  or  dictate,  or  enter  into  arrangements 
contrary  to  their  wishes,  let  them  be  met  in  the  spirit  of  defiance,  and 
if  need  be,  by  the  sword.     (Great  applause.)     The  United  States  have 
already  taken  their  ground  upon  this  point,  and  they  will  maintain  it. 
By  position  and  by  strength,  they  have  the  right  to  a  controlling  voice 
in  whatever  concerns  American  policy,  and  this  right  they  will  not 
surrender  at  the  dictation  of  any  power  or  coalition  upon  earth.  (Ap- 
plause.)    The  time  for  European  colonization  in  America  and  the  con- 
tiguous islands,  in  both  oceans,  has  gone  by,  and  can  never  return. 
No  more  European  colonies, — no  more  European  protectorates, — no 
more  European  interventions  should  henceforth  be  allowed  to  exist  with- 
in the  proper  range  of  American  influence.     (Enthusiastic  applause.) 
Why  should  Europe  be  permitted  to  interfere  upon  American  soil,  or 
prescribe  to  the  Government  of  the  Union  the  bounds  of  its  action  ? 
The  East  affords  a  theatre  wide  enough  for  moderate  ambition,  and  the 
West  desires  with  the  East  only  the  fellowship  of  peace  and  com- 
merce. 

We  are  free,  we  are  independent,  we  are  not  without  strength;  and 
we  will  act  as  becomes  a  free  people; — moreover,  other  nations  must 


20 

respect  our.  rights,  and  find,  if  unfortunately  they  are  disposed  to  in- 
termeddle in  our  affairs,  that  there  is  an  ability  and  a  will  to  resist 
their  pretensions.     The   "Monroe  doctrine,"  as  it  is   called,  is  the 
true  American  doctrine, — the  doctrine  of  "  Old  America"  and  "  Young 
America," — in  short,  the  well-considered  and  well-grounded  doctrine 
of  the  "  Universal  Yankee  Nation."     (Great  applause.)     On  this  doc- 
trine there  is  no  distinction  of  party;  and  if  there  should  ever  be  oc- 
casion to  support  it,  in  regard  to  the  American  Continent  or  its  adja- 
cent islands,  you  will  find  among  us,  young  and  old,  but  one  voice,  one 
determination,  one  inflexible  purpose.     (Applause.) 

I  have  spoken  freely  and  strongly,  but  I  trust  with  proper  courtesy, 
and  as  becomes  an  American.  The  American  citizen  has  no  occasion 
for  reserve  or  concealment  in  whatever  concerns  his  country,  her  poli- 
cy and  institutions.  It  is  not  his  appropriate  part,  at  home  or  in  for- 
eign countries,  to 

"  Crook  the  pregnant  hinges  of  the  knee, 
Where  thrift  may  follow  fawning." 

Let  him  speak  boldly,  and  act  boldly,  on  all  suitable  occasions,  as 
a  freeman  ought  to  speak  and  act,  conceding  to  others  the  respect  and 
deference  to  which  they  are  justly  entitled,  but  not  a  particle  more. 
(Great  applause.)  Meekness  is  a  virtue,  and  in  its  proper  place  enti- 
tled to  admiration,  but  the  American  who  would  only  speak  in  subdued 
and  feeble  tones  of  his  country's  honor,  or  listen  to  reproaches  upon 
her  fair  name,  is  a  craven  at  heart,  without  the  manhood  of  the  sav- 
age. (Renewed  applause.) 

There  is  in  our  history,  no  long  catalogue  of  dark  antecedents  to 
make  us  blush  for  our  country.  Her  fame  is  spotless,  her  banner  un- 
sullied, and  every  star  upon  her  escutcheon  radiant  with  the  purest 
light.  Who  then  is  ashamed  to  stand  up  in  any  presence,  and  say  he 
is  an  American  ?  What  man  is  there  among  you  all,  whose  veins  do 
not  throb  with  quicker  and  stronger  pulsations,  at  the  sound  of  those 
strains  which  tell  him  of  his  childhood's  home,  his  native  land  ?  (Ap- 
plause.) 

We  are  far  away  from  our  early  homes, — an  ocean  separates  us 
from  the  land  of  our  birth.  We  stand  upon  a  foreign,  but  a  hospitable 
soil,  to  whose  sons  our  countrymen  first  brought  the  blessings  of  civili- 


zation,  and  pointed  out  the  hopes  of  Heaven.  We  can  feel  that  we 
are  not  altogether  aliens  and  sojourners,  for  on  every  side  we  behold 
our  own  long  cherished  institutions,  transplanted  from  American 
shores,  and  destined,  we  may  trust,  in  no  dim  distance  in  the  future,  to 
a  still  more  healthy  and  vigorous  growth.  (Great  applause.) 

At  home  we  may  sometimes  be  unmindful  of  the  full  extent  of  the 
blessings  we  enjoy.  But  abroad  it  is  far  different.  On  foreign  shores, 
contrast  enables  us  to  see  in  all  the  vivid  colors  of  reality,  the  present 
advantages,  and  higher  hopes  of  a  free  people. 

At  all  times,  I  have  loved  my  country  with  a  sincere  and  exalted 
affection.  I  have  ever  rejoiced  in  her  prosperity,  and  looked  forward 
to  the  time  when  she  would  stand  first  in  power  and  dignity,  as  she 
did  in  the  freedom  and  happiness  of  her  children.  But  never,  till  her 
coasts  receded  from  my  sight  in  the  ocean  distance,  could  I  realize 
the  intensity  of  my  love,  or  the  full  extent  of  my  gratitude  to  God  for 
placing  it  in  my  power  to  boast  that  I  was  an  American  citizen,  (Ap- 
plause.)  And  as  I  stood  in  foreign  countries,  and  contrasted  their  con- 
dition with  the  prosperity  and  order  I  had  left  behind  me,  I  felt  that 
the  wealth  and  honors  of  the  universe  could  not  tempt  me  to  lay  aside 
that  proud  title,  or  separate  myself  forever,  from  "my  own,  my  native 
land."  I  looked  upon  its  star-emblazoned  banner  with  new  emotions 
of  delight  and  was  ready  to  swear  eternal  hostility  to  those  who  would 
degrade  it.  (Renewed  Applause.) 

Such,  fellow-citizens  of  the  United  States,  has  been  your  experience 
as  well  as  mine.  The  further  we  go  from  our  country,  the  more  our 
love  springs  up,  the  more  is  our  patriotism  excited,  and  the  more  ar- 
dent are  our  wishes  for  its  prosperity. 

There  is  no  time,  or  place,  or  circumstance,  which  can  make  us 
forget  our  origin,  or  diminish  the  regard  which  we  owe  to  our  common 
mother.  Wherever  the  American  ensign  is  displayed,  we  will  rally 
around  it,  and  welcome  the  ample  protection  which  it  affords.  (Ap- 
plause.) Wherever  its  folds  float  in  the  breeze,  at  home  or  abroad, 
upon  the  land  or  on  the  ocean,  we  shall  be  ready  to  raise  our  hands 
and  exclaim, 


"  Flag  of  the  free  hearts'  only  home, 

By  angel  hands  to  valor  given  J 
Thy  stars  shall  light  the  welkin  dome, 

For  all  thy  hues  were  born  in  Heaven  !" 

(  Great  applause. ) 

Nay,  still  more  than  this  !  In  the  spirit  of  confidence  which  admits 
no  doubt,  of  resolute  determination  which  never  pauses  but  in  victory 
we  will  add  our  invocation  that  its  lustre  may  be  forever  undimmed, 
—its  stars  for  ever  unclouded. 

"  Forever  float  that  standard  sheet ! 

Where  breathes  the  foe  but  falls  before  us, 
With  freedom's  soil  beneath  our  feet, 

And  freedom's  banner  streaming  o'er  us  !" 

(Enthusiastic  and  long-continued  applause,  after  which  nine  cheers 
were  proposed  for  the  Orator,  and  heartily  given.) 


